Nowadays parents and their children are spending less and less time communicating with each other. 36 It is reported that American parents today spend about 40 percent less time with their children than parents did a generation ago. To keep your family time creative and enjoyable, below is a list of helpful family time tips. 1. Eat together & listen to each other. Most children today don't know the meaning of a family dinnertime. Yet the communication and unity built during this time is necessary to a healthy family life. Sharing a meal together allows parents and their children the opportunity to talk about each other's lives. 37 2. Read often. It's important for parents to read to their children. The latest research shows that reading to your children develops an interest in knowledge and contributes to language development. It also increases their concentration on things and helps them become more curious. 38 After reading, ask questions about what the books are about. 3. Start a hobby or project. Choose a fun activity that your children are interested in. Activities like cooking, fishing or biking can be their great hobbies. 39 Once a child learns a new skill, let him or her take the lead under your direction. 4. Plan a family outing. 40 Jump into the family car and go for a drive. Prepare a picnic lunch and visit a local park. Take time to play or ride a bike. A slow and relaxing walk in the woods will help parents communicate with their children better. Also, a visit to the zoo or museum will inspire enthusiasm in a child and lead to long discussions. 1. 36 A: It is very important for children to exercise. B: They can open the door to exciting family time. C: Sometimes getting out of the house is important. D: Look for books that your children would enjoy reading. E: New technology has made video games more popular with children. F: This is also a time for parents to listen and give advice to their children. G: As a result, many children are getting less love than their parents once got. 2. 37 A: It is very important for children to exercise. B: They can open the door to exciting family time. C: Sometimes getting out of the house is important. D: Look for books that your children would enjoy reading. E: New technology has made video games more popular with children. F: This is also a time for parents to listen and give advice to their children. G: As a result, many children are getting less love than their parents once got. 3. 38 A: It is very important for children to exercise. B: They can open the door to exciting family time. C: Sometimes getting out of the house is important. D: Look for books that your children would enjoy reading. E: New technology has made video games more popular with children. F: This is also a time for parents to listen and give advice to their children. G: As a result, many children are getting less love than their parents once got. 4. 39 A: It is very important for children to exercise. B: They can open the door to exciting family time. C: Sometimes getting out of the house is important. D: Look for books that your children would enjoy reading. E: New technology has made video games more popular with children. F: This is also a time for parents to listen and give advice to their children. G: As a result, many children are getting less love than their parents once got. 5. 40 A: It is very important for children to exercise. B: They can open the door to exciting family time. C: Sometimes getting out of the house is important. D: Look for books that your children would enjoy reading. E: New technology has made video games more popular with children. F: This is also a time for parents to listen and give advice to their children. G: As a result, many children are getting less love than their parents once got.